While this spice is a staple in Indian cuisine, many in the west are not familiar with fenugreek. I wasn't until was introduced to fenugreek in sprout form, many years ago at the Santa Cruz River Farmer's Market. I had been buying sprouts regularly from Arizona Sprouthouse and one day, she said 'here, try something new', and handed me a pinch of fenugreek sprouts. They tasted a little bitter, but if you've been reading my posts, you know I like bitter. I brought some home and added to salads and sandwiches.

The thing that surprised me most about fenugreek is that the day after I ate it, my underarms smelled like maple syrup. For real, if you sweat a lot and want a natural way to get rid of armpit odor, try it. It's really kind of amazing. Aside from that one benefit, fenugreek sprouts are healthy in lots of other ways:

7 Health Benefits of Fenugreek

Blood Sugar Support: Research on Type 2 diabetics have shown a much lower level of sugar in their blood streams within 24 weeks of daily consumption of fenugreek.

Heart Health: Studies have shown that people who consume fenugreek on a daily basis have lower levels of cholesterol and hence lower risks of heart attack. It also controls levels triglycerides in the blood and because it is high in potassium, it helps to balance blood pressure.

Digestive Health: Long used in Indian medicinal practices, fenugreek is a digestive aid used to treat gas, flatulence and diarrhea.

PMS/Menopause Relief: Fenugreek contains a compound called diosgenin which mimics the estrogen your body produces. This helps to lessen effects of hot flashes as well as menstrual cramps.

Lactation Support: As an herbal galactagogue, Fenugreek has been used for centuries in India for lactating women to boost their milk production. It can take anywhere from 24 hours to a couple of weeks to see results. Not all women respond to fenugreek but many do.

Healthy Skin: Fenugreek is rich in many antioxidants and nutrients known to produce healthy skin, hair and nails. It is high in Thiamine, Vitamin A, C and K as well as minerals like calcium, magnesium, zinc, selenium and iron. All of these nutrients combine to provide anti-aging as well as wound/scar healing properties. ,

Sexual Health: Research has shown that fenugreek has a positive effect on libido and sexual arousal in men, helping them to maintain a normal testosterone level.